Betty White Dies at 99 on New Year’s Eve

American actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls, died on Friday at the age of 99.

White died at her home, just two weeks before she would have turned 100. Her agent Jeff Witjas told People magazine: “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever.”

White enjoyed a glittering career of more than eight decades, receiving eight Emmys, one Grammy, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Being a television pioneer, she pushed doors open not only for herself, but for many other women who dreamed of entering the broadcast industry.

On his part, U.S. President Joe Biden led tributes, praising the star as a “cultural icon”.

https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1477022943586754560?t=UT8DuumcRlkh_sK-G6LnWQ&s=08

Moreover, former US first lady Michelle Obama said White had “broken barriers” and her joy would be missed by people all around the world.

“Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh,” she wrote. “Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world.”

Also, Oprah Winfrey said she was “celebrating 99 years of your love on the planet”.

White starred on “The Pet Set” in the 1970s, produced by her late husband, which tapped into her lifelong love of animals, spotlighting celebrities like Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore, Doris Day, James Stewart, Burt Reynolds, and many more.

“The Pet Set is one of my favorite shows,” the iconic actress said in a news release about the show’s new platforms. “I’m thrilled it’s going to be seen again after all these years.”